Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that recent defections by some state governors in the South-East would lead to the political capture of the region by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi made the remarks in Abuja while responding to reporters’ questions about the ongoing spate of defections among political leaders from his home region. His comments were contained in a statement released by his media team on Wednesday.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that Nigeria operates under a democratic system where the people—not political officeholders—ultimately determine the direction of governance.
According to him, “Nigeria is a democracy, not a military government where you can capture states. The people will decide where they want to go. No party will capture or win any state simply because it has a governor.”
Speaking specifically on the recent defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, to the APC and reports of the party’s plan to consolidate influence in the South-East ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, Obi said:
“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. And I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations. As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people. You are a leader; you do the right thing for them to follow you. So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it.”
Addressing questions about the planned protest led by political activist Omoyele Sowore for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Obi reiterated his long-standing position that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving political and ethnic agitations in the country.
“There was no need for his arrest in the first place,” Obi said. “I’ve always maintained that for me, I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I’ve said it clearly and I remain there. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022, and even 2024. And now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed—not just for Nnamdi Kanu but for all agitators across the nation. Let’s dialogue with them. There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating, but whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules.”
Turning his attention to the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Aminu Amupitan, Obi expressed hope for reforms that will restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He said, “Very simple. He’s a Nigerian. We want a new Nigeria where elections will be free, fair, and credible, and our people who have the competence, capacity, compassion, character, and commitment to lead the nation are elected. When he is confirmed, I will congratulate him and tell him to know that one day he’s going to leave that post. Let him ensure that he keeps his reputation.”
Obi made the remarks while participating in a campaign event for Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 FCT Council elections. The duo visited LEA Nursery/Primary School in Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja, where Obi expressed concern over the deplorable state of the facility.
He lamented the lack of basic amenities, saying, “The school furniture is in irreparable condition. I saw that a school with over 200 pupils has no toilet facilities. It’s unacceptable.” Obi pledged to help upgrade the school, stressing that investment in education remains the foundation for national development.
“The most important thing we can do as a nation is to invest in basic education. Investment in children is the most important,” he said.
He added that his presence at the school was also to show support for Dr. Moses Paul’s campaign, noting that “he is campaigning and visiting communities in his constituency to understand their challenges firsthand.”
What you should know
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer and former governor of Anambra State, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential opposition figures.
Known for his emphasis on accountability, good governance, and people-oriented leadership, Obi continues to advocate for democratic values and institutional reforms. His latest comments reinforce his belief that political legitimacy must come from citizens—not political elites or defections.
